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There is a plethora of TV, and much of it is a waste. The people telling you what to watch? Too many of them have stakes in the business. Taking It Down fixes that. Every Tuesday, hosts Blaine, Adam, and Donovan tell you spoiler-free if a show’s worth your time. Then they discuss exactly why a series works or how it became junk. No pretension. No industry spin. Just clear talk that respects your Intelligence and helps you pick what's good to see. You want to know what’s worth it and the reason to watch it, including unpacking the episodes? That’s Taking It Down.
266 Episodes
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This week, Blaine offers an overview of the podcast as a whole (0:02) before welcoming Donovan and Adam. Where has Adam been all this time (1:32)? From there in the non-spoiler section, they all discuss the worries of the Netflix purchase of Warner Bros and HBO (3:01) before discussing 'Stranger Things 5' and its return to Netflix (7:49). Also on Netflix is the movie 'Train Dreams,' which they question who would enjoy it (14:29) before a quick non-spoiler look at 'Plur1bus' on Apple TV and how it is holding (19:08). They give a similar check-in with the HBO series 'Welcome to Derry' (21:04) before Blaine explains in the non-spoiler section how 'The Beast In Me' on Netflix goes wrong (22:09). He offers 'The Chair Company' as a potential great one before moving on (23:18). In spoilers, the hosts discuss the excellence of 'Train Dreams' (25:59), what needs changed in 'Plur1bus' (51:10), and how 'Welcome to Derry' pales to another current series (1:05:23). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link.To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here.To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.
Without Adam and Donovan, what's Blaine to do (0:02)? He's in luck. He introduces one of the higher-ups at The Alabama Take (1:16), and Corey comes to the table to first recount 'Return of the Jedi' from years ago (2:01). From there, they briefly discuss this season of 'The Challenge: Vets and New Threats' (2:52) before getting into the meat of the show, which is HBO's 'IT: Welcome to Derry' and how the show successfully balances horror while remaining engaging for viewers in the nonspoiler section (4:56). For spoilers, it's about the plot of the series and if it can maintain its scares (18:35). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link.To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here.To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.
Taking It Down is back again in the same week for a Thanksgiving special wit all spoilers, so be careful and use the time stamps!First, Blaine welcomes and gives an overview of the episode (0:02) before reminding everyone about this different podcast episode for Taking It Down (1:35). Once Donovan joins, the two discuss how 'Welcome to Derry' from HBO has mixed merits (3:32). After that, they shift gears to Netflix's 'Death by Lightning,' as it has a witty and energetic narrative (21:15). The conversation then turns to Apple TV's 'Pluribus,' where they try their best to unravel its mysteries (33:46). To end, Donovan offers a brief thought on 'Frankenstein' which is now airing on Netflix (54:07). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link.To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here.To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.
Taking It Down comes out this week with two episodes, and this, the first, offers thoughts that are all without spoilers. Blaine begins with a welcome and overview of the first non-spoiler show (0:03), but when Donovan joins, he questions the existence of UMass (2:13). The hosts get into television with Ken Burns, controversy, and his new documentary 'The American Revolution' on PBS (3:56). Has he lost his touch? From there, it's short thoughts on 'The Beast in Me' from Netflix and how Matthew Rhys and Claire Danes can do no wrong (14:01). They continue a few ideas on 'IT: Welcome to Derry' (17:09) and praise the energy of 'Death by Lightning' on Netflix (25:15). They can't say much about 'Plur1bus' on Apple TV, but they try, especially about the creators (32:26) before moving into the Netflix film 'Frankenstein' and how it differs from other famous adaptations (34:53). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link.To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here.To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.
Blaine welcomes everyone to being Taking It Down (0:02) but then Blaine and Donovan get into non-spoilers with all the new television that's currently airing, much of which sound appealing (4:32) as well as the newly filmed 'Frankenstein' (4:53). From there, and still in non-spoilers, they discuss the big hit for Apple TV with 'Pluribus' (5:56) as it reunites the 'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul' crew. They stay with non-spoilers for the second and scary episode of 'Welcome to Derry' (10:14) as well as the finale for the FX and Hulu 'The Lowdown' (15:11). In spoilers, they discuss what 'Welcome to Derry' gets right and what it can do to become great (19:25). They also discuss how 'The Lowdown' revealed what it really wants to be seen as, and it is perfect, including what it has to say, surprisingly on white savior trope (42:47). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link.To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here.To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.
This week, Blaine welcomes Donovan and gives the welcome and overview for this week's episode (0:01). They discuss how there is a lot to pick on TV lately, some of which they'd even like to see if time allowed (3:41). In the non-spoiler section, they begin by talking about how 'Chad Powers' may be a lot better than people expect (5:15). They give their first reactions to the HBO series 'It: Welcome to Derry' (14:26). Lastly, in the non-spoilers is the talk of 'Task' on HBO (24:14). To begin spoilers, Blaine and Donovan talk about how 'Chad Powers' is great, though it may not even deserve to be as funny as it is (27:13). Then they finalize their thoughts on the HBO series 'Task,' a show that balances its heavy themes and leaves viewers asking questions long after it is complete (45:23). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link.To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here.To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.
After a brief introduction and overview (0:02), Blaine welcomes Donovan and the two hosts begin with why 'Black Rabbit' on Netflix is so digestible, which has a lot to do with stars Jude Law and Jason Bateman (1:00). Then Blaine advises Donovan to avoid the new Apple TV+ drama 'The Last Frontier' with non-spoiler reasons (3:23) but encourages him to catch up on 'Chad Powers' because it is more than funny as he explains what it examines (7:02). They then talk about the first three episodes of the FX and Hulu series 'The Lowdown' with no spoilers (10:54) as well as the fifth powerful episode of 'Task' (18:03). Shifting into the spoilers, Blaine and Donovan come to a temporary conclusion on what 'The Lowdown' has to say, especially in episodes three and four (20:38). Then they break down one of the best episodes of the year with the fifth episode of the HBO crime drama 'Task' (38:14). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link.To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.
Blaine and Donovan are back this week with plenty of TV discussions. After an introduction and overview (0:02), the two begin with a talk on class reunions (1:28). Then it's to television and the non-spoiler section to begin with a lighthearted look at 'Chad Powers' on Hulu (4:24). Moving on, they tackle Netflix's 'Monster: The Ed Gein Story', where the hosts critique its slow pacing and over-the-top performances (8:27). They also discuss 'Black Rabbit,' noting the dynamics between Jude Law and Jason Bateman (14:39). From there, it's a shift to Tulsa with 'The Lowdown' on Hulu (16:17). Finally in non-spoilers, they wrap up with 'Task' on HBO (22:03).After the break, Blaine and Donovan detail what may be lurking under 'The Lowdown' (25:03) and how the intensity of 'Task' in its fourth episode still has plenty of threads to connect to be considered great (38:22). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link.To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.
Blaine welcomes everyone and admits it almost didn't happen today. (0:02). He brings in Donovan, they get into a discussion about a couple of streaming shows 'The Lowdown' on FX/Hulu which stars Etah Hawke and 'Black Rabbit' on Netflix which features Jude Law and Justin Bateman (1:19). It's interesting that Apple TV+ pulled the plug on the Jessica Chastain series 'The Savan' because of recent events (4:49). Blaine comments more on the FX series 'The Lowdown' (6:01) from Sterling Harjo before they both shift into non-spoiler thoughts on the third episode of HBO's 'Task' (8:24). 'Alien: Earth' wraps its FX run, and they discuss it without spoiling here (13:49). After the break, they get into spoilers for both 'Task' and its family woes (21:12) as well as the final two epsiodes of FX/Hulu's 'Alien: Earth,' highlighting the complex themes and character dynamics that make both shows resonate with viewers (35:30). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link.To buy the shirt mentioned in the episode, visit the link here. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.
Blaine gives the usual warm welcome for the week (0:02) before he, Adam, and Donovan begin the non-spoiler section with HBO's gripping drama 'Task' and what it says about two family dynamics (1:29). Then Blaine and Dononvan decide upon the FX and Hulu intriguing series 'Alien: Earth' and how much value it has beyond the franchise fans (6:10). Before they break for spoilers, Blaine checks in with Adam and his burgeoning band Sister Ray Davies as well as their upcoming album (9:49). After the break, it's the reality of 'Task', the heavy themes it carries and how Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey knock it out in episode two spoilers (13:54). Also in spoilers, Blaine and Donovan break down a couple of limits to 'Alien: Earth,' which shouldn't hinder fans or casual viewers as the series makes a stand for the working class (28:44). If you enjoy, leave a short review in your podcast app of choice!For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link.To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here.To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.
This week, Blaine begins with an overview (0:01). Amid the current surge of compelling television offerings, the three determine which ones that they may or may not watch in the coming weeks (1:15). They have a spoiler-free talk of how the first episode of HBO's 'Task' explores the moral complexities of its characters (11:48)while 'Alien: Earth' combines thrilling sci-fi elements with thematic questions (20:19). They also touch on general thoughts on the second season of 'Blue Lights' (22:37).As they transition into spoiler-filled thoughts, they cover the first episode of 'Task' and its lonely men (25:40), 'Alien: Earth' and its creepy storyline (45:50), and the final two episodes of the great TV show on HBO Max 'Blue Lights' (1:00:30). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link.To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here.To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.
This week, Blaine gives the podcast overview (0:02) before previewing what the crew will cover this week (0:32). From there, all of the hosts preview the possible gritty world of the new HBO series 'Task' as they prepare for the first episode (1:02). As they transition into 'Blue Lights,' Blaine, Adam, and Donovan share insights into the character development and moral dilemmas faced by the officers in general in the non-spoiler section (6:17). After the break, Blaine and Donovan break down the first four episodes of the second season of 'Blue Lights' with spoilers (12:51). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link.To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here.To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.
After an overview of the podcast (0:02) and a preview of this episode (0:27), Blaine welcomes Adam and Donovan to the show (1:05). This week, they begin the non-spoiler section with broad thoughts on how 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' serves as a satirical mirror of American culture (1:48). After that, they discuss how 'Blue Lights' stays intelligent and captivating with its fresh perspective (14:28). In the spoiler section, Blaine and Donovan break down the specifics of what made 'It's Always Sunny...' a return to form, particularly the finale (24:06). They then discuss - with spoilers - the evolving production quality of 'Blue Lights' for its finale of season one and its beginning of season two; plus, its deeper storytelling (35:49). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link.To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here.To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.
This week's discussion kicks off with the recent debacle surrounding the ESPN app's rollout, raising questions about the ever-evolving landscape of streaming services (0:59). Blaine and Donovan express their frustration with the lack of clarity in ESPN's marketing and ponder the implications of a subscription-based model that seems to be inadvertently recreating cable television. They then shift gears in the non-spoiler section to explore the gritty British series 'Blue Lights,' now available on HBO Max, which follows probationary police officers navigating the complexities of law enforcement in Belfast (7:59). They offer a teaser on 'Alien: Earth' from FX and Hulu, hinting at its intriguing premise (17:41). In spoilers, it's a break down of episodes three, four, and five of the first season of 'Blue Lights' and how the show deals with the rules (23:49). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link.To sign up for the site's newsletter, visit the link here. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, consider making a donation of any size with the link here.
This Tuesday, after host Blaine gives a brief overview (0:02), Adam and Donovan join to give some cursory thoughts into the gripping BritBox series 'Blue Lights,' which is also available on HBO Max (1:02). They offer ideas on how the show subverts expectations. Also in the non-spoiler section which begins each episode, the hosts tease upcoming discussions about 'Alien: Earth' from FX/Hulu (8:25). In spoilers, all three have ideas on the first three episodes of 'Blue Lights' and how it centers on fear in modern Northern Ireland (13:03). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link. For the newsletter mentioned, visit the link here. To help with the podcast and The Alabama Take site, make a small donation here.
This week, Blaine starts with an overview of the entire podcast (0:05) and what to expect before giving a rundown of the weekly episode (0:54). When joined by Donovan and Adam, Adam recounts his visit to the U.K., which included seeing Oasis live with some friends (1:44). For non-spoilers, the hosts talk about 'King of the Hill' and its return on Hulu (8:01), the Netflix sports documentary 'SEC Football: Any Given Saturday' (19:10), and the Britbox series 'Blue Lights' comes to HBO Max (22:51). In the spoiler section, the hosts discuss what makes 'King of the Hill' a staple of TV and good for these times, including who Hank Hill votes for (28:22). They talk about what's lacking thus far in 'SEC Football: Any Given Saturday,' but it is someone who could be coming (49:53). Lastly, Blaine and Donovan unpack the hints of the first episode of 'Blue Lights' (56:10). For more, visit the link here for The Alabama Take. To donate to keep the website and podcast afloat, you can visit here. For the newsletter mentioned in the episode, sign up here.
This week in the TV and streaming podcast, Blaine gives an overview (0:02) before he and Donovan discuss how politics has invaded television (1:04) with the funding for PBS (1:06). The question is: does that matter (1:08)?The other big political and TV news came from Colbert this week who had a shocking announcement (6:37). The hosts dissect how Netflix got one release date perfect (12:09) before transitioning into what could be FX's big franchise hit (13:24). In non-spoilers, they discuss why 'Stick' continues its improvement (16:26) and how 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' produced one of its best episodes in years (18:56). For spoilers, the guys talk about the tactics of solid TV from 'Stick' (20:46) and the cultural touchstones in 'It's Always Sunny...' this week (30:30). The two end the show with an idea for next week (39:15). If you enjoy the podcast or the happenings on The Alabama Take, we encourage you to help with the link here. If you wish to subscribe to the newsletter and not rely on an algorithm for updates, you can get that sent to your inbox with the sign-up link here at the website. Finally, all things related to The Alabama Take, including more podcasts, are at the link here.
Blaine begins the episode with a podcast overview and the generalities of this week's episode (0:02). Once Donovan joins, they discuss the return of the longest-running TV show, 'It's Always Sunny In Philadephia' and determine how its sustained its longevity (3:15). From there, they have brief discussion on the Apple TV+ series 'Stick' and its most recent episode (11:14). To conclude the non-spoiler segment, they give thought to 'The Bear' as a whole season (14:42). After a short break, it's time to discuss the ridiculous plot points of both 'It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia' and 'Abbott Elementary,' as the gang end their time there (14:57). Both hosts agree that the Apple TV+ 'Stick' had its best episode thus far, and they explain why (32:38). Finally, it's the last four episodes of the fourth season of 'The Bear' (35:38) Was it better than season three? Were problems solved? All that, and more on this week's Taking It Down episode. For more, visit the link that's provided here to go to The Alabama Take: https://thealabamatake.com/If you wish to sign up for the newsletter mentioned, use this link to sign up and have it delivered to your inbox: https://thealabamatake.com/newsletterTo help the podcast and The Alabama Take website, visit the link here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thealabamatake
Weekly host Blaine welcomes and gives an overview for the episode to begin (0:02). Once Donovan and Adam join, Blaine describes how he managed to miss the last few episodes of 'The Bear' and it has everything to do with the Disney+ series 'Andor' (2:08). Also in the non-spoiler section, the guys have an email on 'Your Friends & Neighbors' on Apple TV+ (7:42), they discuss how 'Stick' is addressing all of their concerns (9:10), and somehow the non-spoiler talk about 'The Bear' turns into a treatise on smoking (11:38). After the break, they detail how 'Stick' became even better (16:13) and how 'The Bear' needed season three for the current season four (35:36). For more, visit The Alabama Take website with this link. To help both the podcast and The Alabama Take site itself, feel free to make a small donation with the link here.
This week on Taking It Down, Blaine begins with a welcome and an overview of the episode (0:02) before welcoming Adam and Donovan to discuss the big Bruce Springsteen music release which coincides with the trailer for his own biopic (1:03). Beginning the non-spoiler section properly, Blaine gives a sense of 'Smoke' from Apple TV+ and if it may be worth the time (6:09) before mentioning this week's episode of 'Stick' (10:08). All of the hosts give broad ideas on this current season of 'The Bear,' which aired its fourth season this weekend continuing to do so with the Netflix model (11:49). In the spoiler section, the crew discuss the questions and answers of the first three episodes of the fourth season of 'The Bear' (21:15). For more, visit the website The Alabama Take at this link. To help with both the site and the podcast, visit this link to make a donation.
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